Mexicans prefer YouTube and social media over Netflix or Disney

Digital consumers in Mexico opt for free platforms to access audiovisual content.

The consumption of audiovisual content on the Internet has radically transformed entertainment habits in Mexico. The report of the National Survey of Audiovisual Content Consumption 2024 (ENCCA) shows that free platforms have established themselves as the main means of digital consumption.

The preference for free platforms

It is indicated that 55% of people consume audiovisual content online, and of these, 74% prefer free platforms. Among the most used are YouTube, with a preference of 66%, followed by TikTok (32%) and Facebook (29%). This data shows how digital platforms have gained ground as main alternatives to other media.

On the other hand, the average daily consumption on these platforms is 2.2 hours, an indicator that positions these services as a predominant source of entertainment for a large part of the Mexican population.

Economic and cultural impact

The economic factor remains a key criterion in audiovisual consumption decisions. The ENCCA reveals that 43% of households that do not have pay television mention cost as the main impediment to acquiring this service. This scenario has led many users to turn to free platforms as a viable option.

In the cultural sphere, these platforms have diversified the type of content that users consume. Short videos, live broadcasts and interactive formats have become predominant, which has changed audience expectations regarding traditional media such as television and cinema.

The challenge for subscription platforms

48% of digital content users pay for regular subscriptions. However, the preference for free options has led platforms such as Netflix and Disney+ to experiment with hybrid models that include advertising, with the aim of attracting users who are sensitive to price.

Furthermore, market segmentation has intensified the need to offer exclusive, high-quality content to justify subscription costs. Platforms face the challenge of balancing their business strategies to remain competitive in an environment where free options dominate audience preferences.